Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer
Responsible to: Manufacturing Process Innovation Engineer
Responsible for: None
Location: Onsite at manufacturing site – Sleaford, Lincolnshire
Work Times: 8:00am to 4:00pm (Monday to Friday). A degree of flexibility will be needed at peak periods.
Role Overview
SHD values its history of designing and manufacturing its own production equipment for advanced composite material manufacturing, delivering to highest calibre of customers across multiple sectors, from aerospace to motorsport, such as F1. The Mechanical Design Engineer will operate within SHD’s Engineering team, driving innovation to design new complex industrial machinery and processes as well as developing existing processes by upgrading with the latest technological advancements. This position collaborates within a team to apply advanced mechanical engineering knowledge with the integration of electrical and control systems to deliver bespoke designs to the highest standards. You will play a key role in shaping the variety and quality of SHD products, enhancing automation capability, leading problem‑solving activities, and supporting technical excellence across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Design creative solutions for bespoke industrial equipment/machinery, including new systems, continuous Improvements and efficiency upgrades.
Generation of CAD models, detail and assembly drawings (SolidWorks Design), providing designs ready for manufacturing, assembly and long-term maintenance.
Produce bill of materials, weld diagrams and tolerancing.
Collaborate with other mechanical, electrical and controls engineers, located throughout all global SHD sites, through design workflows from concept design to installation to ensure seamless integration.
Provide technical guidance on mechanical design.
Ensure that all machine designs and installations comply with ISO 13849-1 standards.
Travel to other global sites to support with design, installation, commissioning and machine upgrade tasks.
Machine Build, Testing & Commissioning
Lead concept and detail design activities for machine hardware, ensuring high-quality and timely completion.
Generating and supplying detail drawings for manufacture and GA drawings for assembly, ensuring standards are applied to all assemblies, suitable for CE Marking conformity.
Support the final factory installations and commissioning, maintaining safety standards and machines are built to the outlined specification.
Ensure the maintenance engineers have all applicable schematics and information continuous planned maintenance
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Instrumental in identifying opportunities to improve machine reliability, efficiency, and manufacturability.
Work through multiple projects to take an idea from specification to reality.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Work closely with electrical and controls design engineers, mechanical and electrical fitters, maintenance engineers, project managers, and production teams.
Skills & Experience Required
Advanced mechanical engineering qualification (Beng or equivalent)
Experience in 3D CAE techniques and producing drawings to a high standard.
Experience in design projects: automation systems, electromechanical equipment or machinery.
Knowledge of DFM, tolerancing and design optimisation
Knowledge of key hardware components and safe installations.
Experience with CAD (SolidWorks Design) advantageous.
Willingness to travel to other sites.
Personal Attributes
Strong problem‑solving ability.
Interest in automation systems.
Excellent communicator within a small team.
Committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
What SHD Offers
Competitive salary and benefits.
Opportunity to lead high‑complexity engineering projects.
Long‑term career growth in a globally respected engineering business.
A culture that values innovation, expertise, and professional development.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Sleaford NG34 7BY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Do you have advanced mechanical engineering qualification (BEng or equivalent)
Work Location: In person
